Exclusive: Will Smith 'back in talks' to star in 'Independence Day' sequel

Will Smith will shortly begin talks to reprise his role as Captain Steven Hiller in the upcoming sequel to Independence Day, according to director Roland Emmerich.

Contrary to reports that Smith would not feature in the follow-up to the 1996 alien invasion blockbuster, Emmerich confirmed to Digital Spy that discussions are underway with the actor who memorably vowed to "whoop ET's ass" in the original.

The German director, whose latest action movie White House Down makes explicit reference to Independence Day's destruction of the presidential building, said: "I sometimes say no, Will Smith will not be in it because he didn't want to do it at first. Now we have a meeting planned, we want to talk about it again. Anything can happen."

While promoting After Earth in June, Smith told DS he was planning to shun blockbuster movies, saying: "I think I'm going to start moving out of that and finding more danger in my artistic choices."

Bill Pullman and Jeff Goldblum have already been officially confirmed to return for the sequel, which will be released in either 2015 or 2016. The original grossed over $800m (£513m) worldwide after its release in July 1996.

Watch Will Smith talk to Digital Spy about wanting to move away from blockbusters below: